Happy New Year

I finally had to put on a raincoat and brave the drizzle to get in some exercise. I am not complaining though because we have it so easy here on the Northcoast. Even the puddles are beautiful with fall leaves still evident and reflections of redwoods. My walk gave me a chance to come up with 10 blessings of the last year:

1. My mom's 90th birthday celebration and the wonderful friends and relatives who came to honor this amazing lady.
   
2. Obama's election made possible in-part by the hard work of my Colorado friend, Paige, and many more like her.
3. Reunions with old friends: Susie (college room-mate), Linn (junior high school friend), Sue (junior high school friend), Lois (sister-in-law), Kelly and Christa (nieces).
4. Trip to Eastern Europe and the chance to travel with husband, Rollie, and good friends, Mickey and Bob.
5. Math tutoring sessions: My son, Ian, is taking pre-nursing courses and hasn't seen a math book for "x" years. He works hard, is prepared, and really gets it.
6. North Redwoods Book Arts Guild: this wonderful group of people make it possible for a recovering mathematician to get into the world of art. Thank you, Dolores and Ellen.
7. Photography 101: Thank you, Lorraine, for showing me how to look at the world in a different way.
8. My husband: Thank you, Rollie, for supporting my art addiction, cooking my dinner when I forget to eat and cutting those little boards for me (and sharing a teeny part of your shop with me).
9. Weekly walks: Nancy, thank you for not insisting that we walk at 8:00 am (or 9:00 am for that matter).
10. Frequent phone calls (or email) from my daughter, Kari, and my sister, Marcelle. No matter where I am, I can always count on hearing from these two special women.